Vice-President Kamala Harris is gearing up for a potential presidential run in 2024, as former President Joe Biden announced that he will not be seeking re-election. With the path to the Democratic nomination clearing for Harris, the focus now shifts to the formidable challenge of defeating Republican nominee Donald Trump in November.
Recent polls show Harris trailing Trump slightly, similar to Biden’s position before his historic announcement. However, with the race becoming more real, there is room for these numbers to shift. Democrats are energized after weeks of uncertainty over Biden’s candidacy, with leading potential rivals endorsing Harris and former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi backing her.
Harris has already raised over $80 million in new donations in the 24 hours since Biden’s announcement, giving her a strong financial foundation for the campaign ahead. As a more energetic campaigner than Biden, Harris aims to attract centrist voters in swing states and energize the Democratic base.
While Harris has strengths such as her tough-on-crime credentials and advocacy for reproductive rights, she also faces vulnerabilities. Her record as vice-president has been mixed, particularly on immigration issues, which Republicans are already using to attack her. Additionally, her past as a prosecutor and her unsuccessful 2020 presidential bid could be points of contention.
As Harris prepares to make a new first impression with the American public, the race for the White House remains tight and unpredictable. With the potential for shifts in fortunes and the need to prove herself on the national stage, Harris must navigate these challenges to compete effectively against Trump in the upcoming election.
